The Harold — Restaurant in Sydney

I ordered a meal recently thinking this was a standard procedure fully expecting to actually recieve my neal. However my meal was never to be recived let alone cooked. My friend ordered his meal 5 minutes after i ordered mine only to recieve his meal within 7 to 8 ninutes. I, however was still to recieve my meal. I being a patient person waited a while longer, thinking maybe my meal was more involved and therefore may take a little longer to prepare, this thinking however was excusing the obvious and desperate to see things as glass half full. After my friend had finished his meal I thought maybe there was an issue and my order had been lost in translation so I, in the nicest possible way approached the ordering section of the bar to politely enqire about the progression of my meal. I was told that it would be a further 4 minutes, very surprising as it was not 5 but 4 minutes. I politely informed the young lady that my friend had ordered his meal approximately 5 minutes after me but had not only recieved his meal but had actually finished his meal. Being the polite fellow i am I accepted her information that my meal would require a further 4 minutes, not 5 but 4 minutes. However after a further 20 minutes of still not recieving my meal I decided maybe I should inquire again about the whereabouts of my ever so simple meal of chicken schnitzeil and fries. I approached the ordering area of the bar and once again enquired and was greeted with a confused exoression, one equvilent to had I asked if they sold elephant meat. The young lady once again then went into the kitchen to enquire but returned even more confused with no real understanding of what I was asking at all. Finally who I am assuming was the manager appeared and reluctantly listened to my confusion as to why a simple meal ordered almost as hour ago had not been delivered let alone cooked. More employees then became involved as to try to fathom what had gone so terribly wrong. The young fellow who took my order seemed to have forgoten all about taking it and the young lady who informed me it would take 4 more minutes seemed to have forgoten informing me of that also. Anyway i suggested to the very unapologetic manager that i was done waiting for my meal and would prefer to recieve my money back instead to which he every so unapologetocally accepted. I dually recieved my small refund and left the exceptionally shoddily run establishment vowing never to return to such a rude, incompetant and indifferent hotel. This was by no means the first "misunderstanding" with staff at this place but it will oh most certainly by the last! An absolute disgrace and service beyond...

To make a long story short, Lemony Snickets describes a ‘Sanctuary’ as “a word which means a small, safe place in a troubling world.” And is that not what we all seek? A sense of longingness for a place that encapsulates the warmth and essence of a safe haven. That sir, can most certainly be found at The Harold. Situated on the bustlings of Ross Street and the infamous Wigram Road, The Harold time and time again provides refuge to those who seek it, like an island in a stormy sea to many a weary sailor on their expedition for a malted barley brew. Offering a fantastic balcony for viewing of all the land around Forest Lodge, sensational interior decor and the clientele to boot. The food… well lest us say the multitude of licked plates pay tribute to the culinarily excellence that dost transpire here! Once, I made the mistake of attempting to go “beer free” during February. A dishonour to the place that had offered me so much, and a dishonour to my generations of Western European Ancestors, wherest my natural proclivity to indulge in aforementioned refreshments dawns. Despite my foolishness, The Harold called to me, like a siren’s song whispering beneath the waves, and welcomed me back as the Prodigal son I am. I protest, for where would a Public House be without being led by Licensee Jason, who has time and time again held the very fabric of The Harold together - like the inner stitchings of an obese man’s waistcoat, he has knitted together a crew worthy of any challenge. Backed up by his upstanding team of managers being 2IC Jack - who’s rustic charm has spoiled countless frowns upon his greeting, Sebastian - the aspiring designer with the quickest beer sling in the Inner West, Amber - enacting her lively enthusiasm to sanctify the institution for all patrons, Rainier - who’s radiant glow brings eternal peace upon thee who enter. And woe to the unwary explorer who shall forget the rest of the brigade; Michael, Dom, Sam, Eleni, Pip, Milla and Nicola, just to name a few. The ensemble who put all hands on deck to ensure the ship sails smoothly over the breakers and into the quay. On my many a journey, I would be tethered to find a pub that ticks all the boxes as The Harold does. At every nook and turn, like a cork on a tide, I find myself back at my redoubt, greeted by fanfare as an explorer returning from a successful voyage would. Perhaps the pub neediest me as much as I do it? I digress, as upon the formulating of my words of praise it is a discovery of my own that a sanctuary does not form any one tangible place, but perhaps be found in the people within. Need I say...

Used to be a fun of this nice pub and I have given them 5 star rating before. However the recently experience made me not want to go there anymore. The experience was bad in terms of food and service. By the way, I rarely give any rating that is less than 4 stars. This time it was extremely disappointing.

Regarding the food. Please see the photo attached. That plate of steak and salad will cost you 44 bucks. On the menu it says the eye fillet is 200 grams. Honestly, I have never seen a steak smaller than my fist, even though it is 200 grams. The staff there says the weight is before cooking. This should be clearly reported in the menu if you decide to show the raw weight of your steak. I totally understand that food industry is experiencing a difficult time, however, this kind of "cheating" action disappointed me. Next time if you go there, make sure bring a weight with you.

Regarding the service, the staff who serviced me made me feel like I was racially discriminated. I would not comment too much on this, but everyone who wants to know what I meant should go there and experience their service. I understand They arr a pub and no service should be expected, but at least, treating your customer like a normal person instead barely say anything when we are ordering.

Given a two star rating because the stake was well cooked to the requested level, and therefore it was tasty. The atmosphere in the pub was...